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All 268 London Underground ticket offices would shut by 2015 under plans being considered by Transport for London (TfL), and be replaced by 20 ‘travel centres’ at the capital’s larger stations, such as Waterloo and Euston, according to Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA).

Union leaders say the cost-cutting measure would lead to the loss of 2,000 jobs over the next two years and make stations less safe.

TSSA members joined London Assembly member Murad Qureshi outside Hounslow Central station, in Lampton Road, on Wednesday last week to voice their opposition and hand out publicity to commuters.

Campaigners raise awareness of ticket office closures

Mr Qureshi said: “There’s clearly a demand for ticket offices and I think people will notice the impact if they go. Before Boris Johnson does a runner, he’s mugging us by putting up fares and taking away critical services like ticket offices. However many ticket machines you have, you still need a fallback, and ticket offices also improve safety, because they’re somewhere you know you’ll find a member of staff.”

Mike Brown, managing director of London Underground and London Rail, said all stations would continue to be staffed and that TfL is committed to running more trains.

“In recent years, we have successfully reduced costs and at the same time improved services. The Tube is now carrying more passengers, more safely and reliably than ever before,” he added. “Any changes we propose to the way we staff our services in future will be discussed with our staff first.”

Scroll down to vote in our poll on whether ticket offices should be culled or preserved.

Campaigners raise awareness of ticket office closures

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With more people now owning Oyster cards, is TfL right to cut ticket offices from 268 down to 20?